The dynamic topographical and vegetational strength of Puri have combined to extract some of the most stunning destinations in the district and the visitor would do well to prepare himself for a vacation that will not only be a visual feast but a highly educative and culturally pleasing in the world.
Puri is a land of wonderful temples, examples of a religious architecture. A perfect synthesis of the inherent aesthetic sense of the Puri's people and the values of the religious sects and cults. Exquisite temples, superb monuments, inviting beaches, natural landscape.
Puri, the best of ancient and modern India, whose people share a strong sense of holiness, a sense of belonging with their beautiful land and their enduring links with the past. Puri offers tourists the rare opportunity of witnessing the colorful sunrise and sunset on the same beach on its golden sands.
Temples and sanctuaries, golden beaches and glorious lakes that are visually fascinating, crafts that are colorful and vibrant and the numerous festivals that can take a "Juggernaut - like" momentum.
Puri has all and much more for you.... Excellently connected by Air, Rail and Road, Puri invites you to its hospitable environs and promises you an experience you will never forget. When others talk of taking down the memory lane, Puri will take you back to your ancient linkages. When others talk of romancing with the stones, her ancient architectures and sculptures will show you what it really means. Come to Puri! She has been waiting for you for centuries.
Tourist complex and sports
Puri being one of the coastal districts of Orissa, named after the heritage city of same name, famous for Lord Jagannath. The district has a variety of monuments epitomizing the evaluation of art and architecture. Nature has its full beam in the district with un-spoilt sea beach, lake, wildlife and hospitable people with traditional crafts. Besides getting experience with cultural and social lives of Orissa, tourists may plan for leisure, cruising, bird and Dolphin watching, sightseeing and communing with nature.
HISTORICAL SETTING OF PURI, THE ABODE OF LORD SHRI JAGANNATH
The city is known by various names such as Nilanchala, Nilagiri, Niladri, Purusottama Kshetra, Srikshetra, Sankha-Kshetra, Jagannath Kshetra (Dhaam) and Pirisptta, Puri. These names have been mentioned in the Puranas and ancient sacred literature like Mahabharata, Kurma Purana, Narada Puran, Padma Puran and Skand Purana.
Similarly, the other literary works like Rudrajamala, Tantrajamala, Kalika Purana, etc., also refer to Purusottama Jagannath. It is the seat of Jagannath, is worshipped as Lord Vishnu--the most benign among all the deities in the Hindu Pantheon. Puri is thus, the seat of Vishnu, the Purusottama Dhaam and Martya Vaikuntha again is the Home of Vishnu on earth, elaborately described in a literary work called Niladri Mohodaya.
The historical evidences are available with literary works as well as inscriptions and archaeological remains show that Puri has been the seat of Vishnu Kshetra since the 9th century A.D., when Sankaracharya (78-820 A.D.) had paid a visit to Puri in the early part of the 9th Century A.D., and established one of his four Pithas here, namely, Gobardhan Pitha or Matha near Swargadwar. Anargharaghavam Nataka by Murari Mishra, a literery work of 9th century also records the deity of Purusottama Kshetra.
Again, in 10th Century A.D., the Mahiar inscription mentioned that one Damodar had undertaken pilgrimage to Purusottam Kshetra and drowned in the Sea-Mahodadhi. However, scholars agreed that the construction of the present temple of the Lord Jagannath was initially started by Somavamsi King Yayati. The Ganga King Ananta Varma Chodaganga Deva (1078-1150 A.D) towards 1147 A.D. rebuilt it with a massive tower and again Ananga Bhima Dev II (A.D. 1170 to 1194) 4th successor to Ganga throne also enhanced it.
The Ganga Dynasty ruled Orissa from 1078 to 1434 A.D. and made Puri a cultural centre. Puri was regarded a celebrated Pitha, and the saints and seers paid their visit to Puri. In course of time Saint Ramanuja (1056-1136 A.D.) the advocate of Visistadaita philosophy, saints like Nibark, Vishu Swami and Madhabacharya paid their visit to Puri and established their monasteries.
The great poet Jaydeva of Orissa in 12th century, composed the famous work Gita-Govindam, dedicated to Lord Jagannath as Krishna-Madhava. In 13th century Narasimha Muni, a follower of Madhavacharya, preached Vaisnavisim in Orissa and Puri became the centre of Vaisnavism under the patronage of the Ganga Kings.
